Ensuring a Future for Marine Corps Operational Support Airlift (OSA)

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Ensuring a Future for Marine Corps Operational Support Airlift (OSA)

E.J Reetz

As the US engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan comes to an end, the military must prepare for the inevitable draw down of forces. This moment is especially challenging because the nation is steeped in a financial crisis, which will likely require cuts across all branches of government. At the same time, the military is being directed to expand its presence in the Pacific. The reduction in defense spending combined with the requirement to increase presence and capabilities in the Pacific will force the US military to make tough choices. OSA, which has experienced scrutiny in the past, will likely be one of the programs that are scrutinized. OSA has a long history of providing a valuable service to the military but if it is to survive this scrutiny it must prove its relevance. In order to ensure the future of these OSA assets, during a time of declining military budgets, the Marine Corps must clearly demonstrate its significance. Primarily, USMC OSA needs to demonstrate its wartime capability and increase its lift capacity and efficiency to meet the new requirements in the Pacific.